Monthly Archives: December 2015

Before 2015 comes to an end, we’d like to recognize our favorite new bar openings, one each for Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens (sorry, Staten Island and Bronx, we didn’t spend nearly enough time in those two boroughs in 2015). Manhattan’s McGettigan’s, located at 70 West 36th Street; Brooklyn’s The Hop Shop, located at 121 Columbia Street; and Queens’ Bierocracy, located at 12-23 Jackson Avenue. If you haven’t visited these three spots yet, put them at or near the top of your NYC bar to-visit list. We look forward to returning to these spots in 2016 and beyond!

Located at 7 East 36th Street in Midtown Manhattan, 5th & Mad is a redux of sorts of Galway Hooker pub. This block of East 36th Street has several other bars on it, making it a great block for a NYC bar crawl. 5th & Mad’s two-story layout is similar is similar to Galway Hooker’s: the first floor is a large bar area with seating and a pool table in back. Quality bar / comfort food is the main fare. Twenty four mostly quality tap beers available. 5th & Mad is open for lunch and is a good spot if you live / work nearby.

Located at 34-02 Steinway Street in Astoria, Queens, Twist and Smashed is a spacious sports bar with a solid craft beer selection. Taps number around 40 with a good mix of regional and US craftbeers. Food menu includes a mix of bar apps, burgers and comfort food (along with weekend brunch). In addition to the indoor bocce court, over 20 TVs mainly tuned to sports are the main entertainment attraction. A mix of high-top and regular tables surround a large rectangular bar in the middle of the space. Great people watching at the corner of Steinway and 34th Avenue. Twist and Smashed is a must-visit if you live/work nearby.

December 5, 2015 marks the 82nd anniversary of the end of U.S. Prohibition. On this date in 1933, Utah became the 36th U.S. state to ratify the 21st Amendment to the United States Constitution (achieving the required 75% of states to approve the amendment). This ratification overturned the 18th Amendment, which outlawed alcohol in the United States. So, how will you be marking the anniversary today? Leave us a comment to let us know!